‘Skyfall’ star Ben Whishaw rules himself out of ‘Doctor Who’ role

Ben Whishaw has quashed rumours that he could become the next star of Doctor Who.

Whishaw, best known for playing Bond’s gadget guru Q in Skyfall, told the Daily Mail: “It’s not going to be me. But I don’t mind – I don’t think you can be Q and Doctor Who. It would be a bit wrong.”

Current Doctor Who star Matt Smithannounced earlier this month (June) that he will be leaving the show at the end of this year (2013). Viewers will see his Doctor regenerate during the upcoming Christmas special.

Rory Kinnear, best known for playing MI6 officer Bill Tanner in the last two Bond movies, is the current bookies’ favourite to succeed him. Other actors linked to the iconic role include Dominic Cooper (The History Boys), David Harewood (Homeland), Julian Rhind-Tutt (The West Wing) and Richard Coyle (Coupling).

Last week (June 21), it was reported that the next Doctor Who star might not be unveiled until the autumn. BBC insiders have apparently told RadioTimes.com that any announcement about the 12th Timelord is “almost certain” to take place just before filming begins on the show’s Christmas special in August or September.

Meanwhile, Matt Smith’s Doctor will return in the show’s 50th anniversary special airing on November 23. In addition to current companion Jenna-Louise Coleman, he’ll be joined for the episode by his Doctor Who predecessor David Tennant and popular former companion Billie Piper.